Moss Point building officials preparing to crack down on nuisance properties

MOSS POINT, Mississippi -- Moss Point Building official Andrew Beamon said his department is gearing up for the process of demolishing dilapidated structures and clearing overgrown properties across the city.

Beamon with the Building and Inspection Department said workers have notified some property owners and attempted to reach others at least two times and have gotten no reply.

"We are required by law to send at least two notices to property owners," he said.

He said some homeowners live away from Moss Point, and last week his department sent two letters as far away as Niagra Falls.

He said the law requires his department give landowners 15 days to respond to an initial letter by repairing the property or correcting whatever violation city personnel have cited on the land. The landowners are then sent another letter and given another 15 days to correct the problem.

"We usually stretch it beyond that," said Beamon. "I try to give them ample enough time even after that."

He said about 10 houses and other structures considered eyesores are on a demolition list, "and it's growing day by day."

"These are more or less overgrown properties or dilapidated structures or buildings," he said. "We are going to try and proceed and get these houses torn down."

Beamon said most of the buildings are residential structures. "However, I know of a commercial problem that, if not on the list it will be coming up soon."

He said that no particular area of Moss Point is being targeted for cleanup. "Wherever the violation is where we put our attention," said Beamon.

He said the property demolition and cleanup may be contracted out, or city workers will handle it.

"If they can't get it done within that 15 days the city reserves the right to come on the property and do the demolition, and whatever it cost the city we assess it to their taxes," said Beamon.